Multiple cyclone assembly



July 19, 1966 N. A. L. WlKDAHL MULTIPLE CYCLONE ASSEMBLY Filed Sept. 15,1961 FIG. 3

.FIG. 2

INVENTOR N/LS ANDERS LENA/4R7 W/KD4HL BYHOWMW United States PatentMULTIPLE CYCLONE ASSEMBLY Nils Anders Lennart Wikdahl, 6 Burevagen,Djursholm, Sweden Filed Sept. 13, 1961, Ser. No. 137,809 Claimspriority, application Sweden, Sept. 22, 1960, 9,041/ 60 17 Claims. (Cl.209-211) The present invention relates to hydro-cyclones and moreparticularly to a multiple hydro-cyclone assembly, including a pluralityof cyclones connected in parallel.

It is known to arrange the cyclones of such assembly in groups or layersin which the longitudinal axes of the cyclones are parallel to eachother and perpendicular or inclined in reference to a longitudinal axisof a common mounting block.

It is also known to arrange the cyclones of the assembly in one orseveral co-axial groups in each of which the respective, usual conicalcyclones are disposed in a common plane and radially oriented, thenarrow ends of the cyclones facing a common center axis. In that type ofassembly the cyclones may be supported by concentrically disposedtubular members which, together with end walls, define separate annularchambers into which the fluid containing the material to be separated isfed and in which the separated material is collected.

The construction and operation of multiple cyclone assemblies of thegeneral kind above referred to involve various constructional andoperational problems such as constructing the assembly in a rapid andeflicient fashion; inspecting and cleaning the individual cyclones ofthe assembly; smoothly and uniformly distributing the supply of fluid tobe treated among the cyclones, and providing tight seals between thecyclones and the supporting walls of the tubular members.

It is the broad object of the present invention to produce a novel andimroved multiple cyclone assembly which can be rapidly and efiicientlyconstructed, the cyclones of which can be conveniently cleaned andinspected, which can be smoothly and uniformly supplied with thesuspension to be separated and in which the cyclones are effectivelysealed to supporting walls.

According to the invention, the aforementioned objects, features andadvantages and other objects, features and advantages which will bepointed out herein-after, are obtained by a multiple cyclone assemblycomprising a plurality of cyclones stacked in several parallel layers,in each of which the cyclones are radially disposed and face the centeraxis of the stack at one end, the cyclones being supported by severalconcentrically disposed tubular members defining together with end wallsseveral separate annular chambers into which the fluid flow containingthe material to be separated is fed and in which the separated materialis collected, and further comprising an outer tubular casingencompassing the outermost one of said tubular members radially spacedtherefrom to define together with said outermost member and the endwalls a further annular chamber separated from the aforementionedchambers, said casing being lengthwise movable in reference to saidtubular members and the cyclones supported there-by and being sealedagainst the end walls, preferably by sealing means interposed betweenthe casing and the end walls.

In the accompanying drawing a preferred embodiment of the invention isshown by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is an elevational, sectional view of a multiple cyclone assemblyaccording to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a section taken on line II-II of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the top similar means.

part and the bottom part of FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale.

Referring now to the figures in detail, the hydro-cyclone assembly, asshown, comprises a plurality of parallel layers or groups of generallyconical cyclones, 16 groups being shown by way of example. The groupsare disposed in superimposed arrangement to form a stack of cyclones.Each of the groups or layers includes a plurality of cyclones, 25cyclones being shown by way of example in each group. The cyclones aredisposed in radial arrangement, the narrow ends of the cyclones facingthe common center axis of the stack. The array of cyclones is mounted bymeans of a base or end wall 2 which supports three cylindrical tubularmembers 3, 4 and 5 made of suitable sheet metal. The rim of Wall 2protrudes beyond the periphery of member 5. The tubular members areclosed up at the upper end by an upper end wall 6 of ring shapedconfiguration. The diameter of wall 6 is also greater than the diameterof the outermost tubular member 5 for a reason which will be more fullyexplained hereinafter. Members 3, 4 and 5, together with walls 2 and '6,define two annular chambers 7 and 8. In addition, tubular member 3defines a central chamber 12. The three tubular members are formed withholes disposed in transverse or radial alignment, one set of holes beingprovided for each group or layer of cyclones. The cyclones which arepreferably made of rubber or similar material, are inserted in the holesso that the narrow ends of the cyclones communicate with the centralchamber 12 and that the wide ends of the cyclones are substantiallyflush with the outermost tubular member 5. The wide ends of the cyclonesare mounted in member 5 by any suitable means such as a flanged joint 9made of rubber or other suitable material. Flanged joints 9 may besecured to member 5 by a one-turn screw cap 10 or The holes through thetubular members are preferably flanged and the cyclones are providedwith external threads or collars 11 where they pass through the holes,to effect labyrinth sealings between the cyclones and the tubularmembers, thus tightly separating chambers 7 and 8 from each other. Tolocate the cyclones in their correct positions within the holes, thediameters of the holes decrease from the outermost tubular member to theinnermost tubular member in accordance with the angle of the conicalwalls of the cyclones.

The cyclone assembly so far described is encased by a casing 14. Thecasing is of circular cross-section between base wall 2 and upper endwall 6 and the inner diameter of the casing corresponds substantially tothe diameters of walls 2 and 6. To elfect adequate sealing between thewall of casing 14 and end walls 2 and 6, elastic tubes 16 made of rubberor other suitable material are interposed between casing 14 and plates 2and 6. The sealing tubes may be held in position by cages :formed on theplates and are preferably inflated by means of a suitable pressure fluidto maintain the required seal between the casing and the end walls. Asis evident, casing 14, together with tubular member 5 and the protrudingmarginal portions of walls 2 and 6, define a further chamber 13.

Chamber 8 serves to supply the suspension to the cyclones; centralchamber 12 to collect heavies separated by the cyclones; chamber 13 tocollect fines separated by the cyclones and chamber 7 to supply flushingliquid to the cyclones, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Casing 14 is continued above end wall 6 by a closure portion 15 whichmay have the illustrated conical con figuration; it may also bebell-shaped. The closure portion closes the central chamber 12 andsupports a lifting means such as a hydraulic lifting means of suitableand conventional design. The lifting means is diagrammatically shown andshould be visualized as comprising a cylinder 18 in which is slidable apiston 17a mounting a piston-rod 17. The piston-rod is coupled to thecasing 14 at the apex thereof. Accordingly, the casing may be raised inreference to the cyclone assembly when the piston-rod is caused to moveupwardly by feeding a pressure fluid into cylinder 18 on the appropriateside of the piston therein; similarly the casing may be lowered byappropriately changing the pressure conditions within the cylinder.Pressure fluid is fed to the lifting means and discharged therefromthrough conduits 31. Hydraulic lifting means of this kind are well knownin the art and readily understandable. The piston may be a double-actingpiston and means may be provided for securing the piston in one orseveral pre-determined positions. Such means may comprise a conventionalcontrol valve 32 included in conduits 31. As is evident, lifting of thecasing uncovers the cyclones so that the same are accessible forinspection and servicing. Due to the aforedescribed mounting of thecyclones in graduated openings, the individual cyclones can be readilywithdrawn from the assembly and relocated in position.

The suspension to be treated is supplied to the cyclones throughopenings 23. These openings are tangentially oriented and severalcircumferentially spaced openings may be provided for each cyclone. Theheavies are discharged from the cyclones through outlets at the narrowends thereof as is customary and the lights are discharged at the wideend of the cyclones. Flanged joints 9 are formed with a discharge funnel9a which is oriented co-axially with the cyclone and protrudes inwardlypreferably beyond the location of inlets 23. Joint 9 is outwardlyextended to form a deflector 19 downwardly deflecting the lightsdischarged through joint 9. Deflector 19 terminates very close to theinner wall of casing 14, thus preventing or at least severely limiting,any outward displacement of the cyclones due to axially directedpressures on the cyclones. Each cyclone further includes one or several,preferably tangentially directed openings 30 connecting the end of thecyclones at which the heavies are discharged with chamber 7. Flushingliquid is injected into the cyclones through these openings.

Base wall 2 is formed with ports 22 and 25 and is mounted upon amanifold socket 20 which supports the entire assembly and includesseveral ducts preferably terminating in flanges for a convenientconnection of outside conduits. More specifically, a centrally locatedduct 21 is connected with ports 22 for supplying the suspension to betreated to chamber 8 from which it is distributed to the cyclonesthrough inlet 23. A duct 24 is connected through ports 25 to chamber 13for discharging the lights collected in that chamber; a duct 26 isconnected through the central opening 27 in the base wall 2 with chamber12 for discharging the heavies collecting in that chamber; and a duct 28is connected through a port 29 with cham ber 7 for feeding flushingliquid to the cyclones through openings 30. Finally, the manifold 20also accomodates conduits 31 for supplying pressure fluid to the liftingmeans and discharging pressure fluid therefrom.

As is evident from the previous description, all the connections to thecyclone assembly are effected through the manifold or socket 20. Thisarrangement permits an installation of the entire assembly so that themanifold and the conduits connected thereto are disposed in a pit orbelow floor level so that the only part visible above floor level is theouter casing 14. Such an arrangement permits a convenient servicing ofthe cyclones after lifting of the casing without any danger to theconduits or other connections. a

The central disposition of feed duct 21 and the limited throttling ofthe flow of the suspension at ports 22 assure a uniform distribution ofthe supplied suspension among the cyclones of the assembly.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to acertain now preferred example and embodiment of the invention, it willbe understood by those skilled in the art, after understanding theinvention, that various changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it is intendedtherefore to cover all such changes and modifications in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A multiple cyclone assembly for separating material suspended in afluid suspension, said assembly comprising a plurality of cycloneshaving a discharge opening at each end and disposed in several layers instacked arrangement, one discharge end of each of the cyclones in eachof said layers facing the center axis of the stack, several nestedtubular members of circular cross section disposed in radially spacedcoaxial relationship, upper and lower end Walls closing said tubularmembers at each end, said members and said end walls defining severalclosed annular chambers, said cyclones being supported and lo- .cated bysaid tubular members, each of said cyclones having an inlet openingcommunicating with one of said chambers for supplying a fiow ofsuspension to the cyclones, the other discharge end of each of saidcyclones extending through the outermost one of said tubular members,and an axially displaceable casing of circular cross sectionencompassing the outermost one of said tubular members spaced aparttherefrom and forming together with portions of said end walls a furtherclosed annular chamber, said other discharge end of the cyclonesdischarging into said further chamber, said casing being mounteddetached from said tubular members and said end wall portions wherebysaid casing is axially displaceable with respect thereto, displacementof said casing in reference to said tubular members and end wallsrendering the cyclones supported by said members accessible forassembly, disassembly and servicing.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said end walls peripherallyoverhang the outermost tubular member to form said end wall portions,and sealing means are interposed between said overhanging portions ofthe end walls and adjacent side wall portions of the casing to seal saidfurther chamber at the upper and lower end.

3. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein the innermost tubularmember defines a central chamber, and wherein said casing is closed atthe top by a generally bell-shaped portion, said portion of the casingoverlying said central chamber to close the same at the upper end.

4. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein a lifting means for raisingand lowering said casing encompassing the tubular members is disposedwithin the space defined by the innermost one of said tubular members,said lifting means extending coaxially with said innermost tubularmember along the length of said member occupied by the respectivedischarge ends of the cyclones.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein said lifting meanscomprises a hydraulic cylinder piston-drive operatively coupled withsaid casing.

6. An assembly, according to claim 5, wherein said lifting means furthercomprises means for securing the casing in a selected position ofelevation in reference to the tubular members.

7. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein the innermost one of saidtubular members and the casing define a closed central chamber, the endof each of said cyclones facing the center axis of the stack includingone of said openings, said opening issuing into said central chamber forcollecting separated material in said chamber.

8. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein the innermost one of saidtubular members and the casing define a closed central chamber, the endof each of said cyclones facing the center axis of the stack including adischarge opening issuing into said central chamber for collectingseparated material in said chamber, and wherein a lifting means isdisposed in said central chamber coaxially therewith and extending alongthe length of said chamber occupied by the respective discharge ends ofthe cyclones for raising and lowering said casing in reference to saidtubular members and said end walls.

9. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said cyclones are ofgenerally conical configuration, the narrow ends of the cyclones facingsaid center axis of the stack, and wherein the walls of said tubularmembers include transversely aligned openings, and cyclones beingextending through said openings in sealing engagement with the rims ofthe openings whereby the cyclones are supported and located by saidtubular members.

10. An assembly, according to claim 9, wherein said casing and thecyclones have portions co-acting with each other to prevent lengthwisedisplacement of the cyclones in the direction toward said casing, saidopenings in the tubular members decreasing in diameter from theoutermost tubular member towards the innermost tubular member to preventdisplacement of the cyclones in opposite direction.

11. An assembly, according to claim 10, wherein the end of the cyclonesreceived in the outermost tubular member includes one of said openingsto discharge through said opening lights in the material to beseparated, and wherein said end of each cyclone is radially extendedclose to the casing, thereby preventing lengthwise displacement of thecyclones toward the casing, said extended portions of the cyclones eachconstituting a deflector for discharged lights.

12. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein the lower end wallincludes several ports, and comprising a manifold block including ductsconnected to each of said ports for supplying the suspension to therespective chamber and discharging collected separated material from therespective chambers, said manifold block constituting a support for thecyclone assembly.

13. An assembly, according to claim 12, wherein said duct for supplyingthe suspension is centrally located in said manifold block.

14. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein said tubular members andsaid casing define a central chamber and three annular chambersencompassing the central chamber, and comprising conduit means connectedto the innermost one of said annular chambers for supplying flushingliquid to said chamber to flush out sludge accumulating in the cyclones,conduit means connected to the intermediate one of said annular chambersfor supplying suspension to said chamber, and conduit means connected tothe outermost one of said annular chambers to discharge lights in theseparated material, the central chamber being a chamber for collectingheavies in the separated material.

15. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein sealing means areprovided between the casing and said upper and lower end walls, saidsealing means being substantially equally spaced from the center axis ofthe casing whereby the casing is substantially free of axial pressuresdue to a pressure differential between said further chamber and theambient atmosphere.

16. An assembly, according to claim 15, wherein said casing portion isof cylindrical configuration.

17. An assembly, according to claim 1, wherein the innermost one of saidtubular members and the casing define a closed central chamber, the endof each of said cyclones facing the center axis of the stack including adischarge opening issuing into said central chamber for collectingseparated material in said chamber, and wherein an elongated body iscentrally disposed in said central chamber along the length thereof,said elongated body constituting a deflecting means for preventing saidseparated material from any of the discharge openings to reach adiametrically opposite discharge opening, and wherein a lifting means isdisposed in said elongated body for raising and lowering said casing.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 25,09912/1961 Hoifmann 210512 X 1,306,743 6/1919 Bowser 222-182 X 2,671,5603/1954 Fon tein 209211 2,706,620 4/1955 Graves 257246 2,765,918 10/1956Fontein et al. 210-84 X 3,130,157 4/1964 Kelsall 2092l1 X FRANK WvLUTTER, Primary Examiner.

HARRY B. THORNTON, CHARLES SUKALO,

Examiners.

E. M. OLSTEIN, Assistant Examiner.

1. A MULTIPLE CYCLONE ASSEMBLY FOR SEPARATING MATERIAL SUSPENDED IN AFLUID SUSPENSION, SAID ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF CYCLONESHAVING A DISCHARGE OPENING AT EACH END AND DISPOSED IN SEVERAL LAYERS INSTACKED ARRANGEMENT, ONE DISCHARGE END OF EACH OF THE CYCLONES IN EACHOF SAID LAYERS FACING THE CENTER AXIS OF THE STACK, SEVERAL NESTEDTUBULAR MEMBERS OF CIRCULAR CROSS SECTION DISPOSED IN RADIALLY SPACEDCOAXIAL RELATIONSHIP, UPPER AND LOWER END WALLS CLOSING SAID TUBULARMEMBERS AT EACH END, SAID MEMBERS AND SAID END WALLS DEFINING SEVERALCLOSED ANNULAR CHAMBERS, SAID CYCLONES BEING SUPPORTED AND LOCATED BYSAID TUBULAR MEMBERS, EACH OF SAID CYCLONES HAVING AN INLET OPENINGCOMMUNICATING WITH ONE OF SAID CHAMBERS FOR SUPPLYING A FLOW OFSUSPENSION TO THE CYCLONES, THE OTHER DISCHARGE END OF EACH OF SAIDCYCLONES EXTENDING THROUGH THE OUTERMOST ONE OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS,AND AN AXIALLY DISPLACEABLE CASING OF CIRCULAR CROSS SECTIONENCOMPASSING THE OUTERMOST ONE OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS SPACED APARTTHEREFROM AND FORMING TOGETHER WITH PORTIONS OF SAID END WALLS A FURTHERCLOSED ANNULAR CHAMBER, SAID OTHER DISCHARGE END OF THE CYCLONESDISCHARGING INTO SAID FURTHER CHAMBER, SAID CASING BEING MOUNTEDDETACHED FROM SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS AND SAID END WALL PORTIONS WHEREBYSAID CASING IS AXIALLY DISPLACEABLE WITH RESPECT THERETO, DISPLACEMENTOF SAID CASING IN REFERENCE TO SAID TUBULAR MEMBERS AND END WALLSRENDERING THE CYCLONES SUPPORTED BY SAID MEMBERS ACCESSIBLE FORASSEMBLY, DISASSEMBLY AND SERVICING.